Ball-and-chain on:
[Wikipedia]
[Google]
[Amazon]
A ball and chain (also known as leg irons) is a
A ball and chain (also known as leg irons) is a physical restraint
Physical restraint refers to means of limiting or obstructing the freedom of a person's or an animal's bodily movement.
Basic methods
Usually, binding objects such as handcuffs, legcuffs, ropes, chains, straps or straitjackets are u ...
device historically used to bind prisoners of both adolescent and adult ages. Their use was prevalent in the Americas.Charles N.Pede, "DISCIPLINE Rather Than JUSTICE: Courts-Martial and the Army of Occupation at Corpus
Christi, 1845–1846", ''The Professional Bulletin of Army History'', No.101 (Fall 2016), p.46. From the 17th century until as late as the mid-20th century this form of punishment was often used in conjunction with other methods of confinement.
A type of shackle
A shackle (or shacklebolt), also known as a gyve, is a U-shaped piece of metal secured with a clevis pin or Bolt (fastener), bolt across the opening, or a hinged metal loop secured with a quick-release locking pin mechanism. The term also appl ...
, the ball and chain is designed so that the weight of the iron ball at the end of the short chain restricts and limits the pace at which its wearer is able to move, making any attempt at escape much more difficult. The weight of the ball would typically be determined by the court, typically ranging from five to twenty-five pounds (2.27 - 11.34 kg).
See also
*Electronic tagging
Electronic tagging is a form of surveillance that uses an electronic device affixed to a person.
In some jurisdictions, an electronic tag fitted above the ankle is used for people as part of their bail or probation conditions. It is also used in ...
References
Physical restraint Iron objects {{law-enforcement-stub